Structure and Governance

The Okanagan Basin Water Board is a unique form of local government, established under Provincial legislation with taxation powers to support its actions. The structure and purpose of the OBWB are outlined in our Supplementary Letters Patent

The Board was formed as a collaboration of the three Okanagan regional districts to provide leadership on water issues that span the entire valley: sustainable water supplies, clean water for drinking, and healthy lakes and streams.  The Districts also designated the Board to act as the coordinating agency to implement the 1974 Okanagan Basin Study recommendations. The Board does not have regulatory power, but seeks to improve water management by providing a basin-wide perspective and improving communications between regions to reduce fragmentation in policy and planning. The Board also works to improve links between local and senior governments, participating as a partner in Okanagan water research and infrastructure funding.

The OBWB has twelve directors with designated alternates. The three Okanagan regional districts appoint three directors each. The Board also includes representatives from the Okanagan Nation Alliance, the Water Supply Association of B.C., and the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council. These members vote and participate in all but the financial decisions of the Board. Directors hold one-year terms, but many are reappointed for successive terms to provide continuity.


Board meetings are held regularly - generally once a month - at the call of the Board Chair. The location of the meeting is rotated between Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton, and is generally held at the regional district offices. Meetings are open to the public. Contact the OBWB for upcoming meeting locations and schedules.

OBWB Governance Manual
The OBWB’s first-ever Governance Manual was approved by all three Okanagan regional districts in February 2010. A year in the making, the manual provides a formal reference and guide to the OBWB.
Click here to download the Governance Manual - 550Kb PDF